Extracts:
"Slain woman’s family alleges AA meetings point ‘financial, sexual, and violent predators’ to victims.
It's no secret that Alcoholics Anonymous attracts troubled individuals–and has helped many turn their lives around.
But
the nonprofit organization known for its 12-step program also
attracts some who find it a convenient place to meet targets for a
so-called "13th step"–exploiting troubled women sexually
and financially, claims a California lawsuit. …..”
"AA
meetings are repeatedly used by financial, sexual, and violent
predators as a means to locate victims," alleges the civil
wrongful death suit filed by ….... against .... Alcoholics
Anonymous of Santa Clarita, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Los
Angeles County, and two attorneys, among other defendants.
It
says AA had a “reckless disregard for, and deliberate
indifference…to the safety and security of victims attending AA
meetings who are repeatedly preyed upon at those meetings by
financial, violent, and sexual predators …..
AA
of Santa Clarita didn’t respond to Pro Publica's requests for comment. A public information officer for
AA’s general service staff called the issues Pro Publica raised
"distressing and disturbing.” However, each AA group operates
autonomously, she said.”
Others
apparently not involved in the case brought by the parents of the
dead woman agreed that predatory behavior by individuals with a
criminal history can be a problem concerning vulnerable members of
AA.”
Source:
And similarly reported:
"Parents Accuse AA of Harboring a Predator
LOS ANGELES (CN) - Grieving parents say in court that their daughter was murdered by her sociopathic addict boyfriend because Alcoholics Anonymous concealed his history of domestic violence.”
“AA has known for years that meetings "are repeatedly used by financial, sexual, and violent predators as a means to locate victims," according to the lawsuit in Superior Court.
But nevertheless the organization has no "specific policies and guidelines concerning conduct of so-called 'sponsors'" and does little to supervise them.”
“The couple seeks punitive damages for wrongful death, conversion of money and property, professional negligence, violation of equal protection rights under the 14th Amendment, Monell violation, and Bane Act violation.
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services declined to comment.”
Source: https://www.courthousenews.com/2012/09/28/50771.htm
Comment:
This is what is heading our way sooner or later. It's simply a
matter of time. All it takes is one more suicide, and a grieving
family who won't be fobbed with yet another platitude issued by
someone from the General Service office. AA groups are NOT
autonomous. Our guidelines are crystal clear:
Tradition 4 (short form): “Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.”
Tradition 4 (long form): With respect to its own affairs, each A.A. group should be responsible to no other authority than its own conscience. But when its plans concern the welfare of neighboring groups also, those groups ought to be consulted. And no group, regional committee, or individual should ever take any action that might greatly affect A.A. as a whole without conferring with the trustees of the General Service Board. On such issues our common welfare is paramount.”
(our
emphases)
These statements really could not be more explicit. It is somewhat depressing therefore to read that a staff member for the general service office should so misquote this guideline. AA groups are NOT unconditionally autonomous. They are NOT at liberty to do whatever they like. They are supposed to be RESPONSIBLE for their own conduct and for that of their members. Moreover when a group fails in their duty of care it is CLEARLY the responsibility of other groups and members to intervene and take action, and not simply throw up their hands and raise the “autonomy” defence! Much is made in AA of inventory taking or taking stock. But those of us who have even a limited acquaintanceship with the recovery programme know that this is supposed to be followed by some form of remedial action. (Even better of course is not to 'f**k up' in the first place!). But there really is very little point in producing guidance on abuse etc if this is not accompanied by ACTION. Predators need to be exposed (and barred from meetings if necessary). Newcomers need to be warned in no uncertain terms who these people are. Cult groups (where most of the systematic abuse takes place) need to be removed from Where to Finds and steps taken to ensure that all relevant agencies are notified that they are no longer recognised as being part of AA. At the moment when someone approaches us with a grievance (genuine or otherwise) they're greeted with what must appear to be at best indifference, at worse callousness. It is not enough simply to (mis)quote Tradition 4 or even ignore people who may be suffering entirely unnecessarily. The choice - AND RESPONSIBILITY - is ours. Do nothing and watch AA disintegrate into complete chaos - or take clear and determined action to prevent this abuse from happening ….. and then get on with what we're supposed to be doing … helping the still suffering alcoholic.
Over to you
The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
PS Thanks to the AA member for drawing our attention to these articles
